Oregon Smokers Can’t Sue Big Tobacco For Negligence

SALEM, Ore. (CN) – The Oregon Supreme Court rejected a negligence lawsuit against big tobacco, brought on behalf of 400,000 Oregon smokers who claimed they faced an increased risk of lung cancer and other health issues from smoking defendants’ cigarettes.

The justices held that plaintiffs need to prove more than the threat of future harm in order to sue cigarette makers such as Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds for negligence. The court also denied plaintiffs’ request for the “creation of a court-monitored program of medical monitoring, smoking cessation and education” for Oregon smokers.